WORCESTER-Edward J. “Rags” Rafferty, Sr., 74, of 75 Gates Lane, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 20th in UMass Hospital. He leaves his wife of 22 years, Josephine A. (Mastromatteo) Rafferty, a son; Edward J. Rafferty, Jr. and his wife Linda M. Rafferty of Worcester, 2 daughters; Ann M. wife of John Gay of Worcester and Antoinette M. Szafarowicz of Charlton, 3 brothers; Raymond Rafferty of Worcester, Richard Rafferty of Sutton and Arthur Rafferty of Millbury, 3 sisters; Mary Attella of West Boylston, Sally Erricola and Barbara Jacques both of Worcester, 5 grandchildren; Erin wife of Daniel McTigue, Kathleen Rafferty, Katlyn Szafarowicz, Brian Rafferty and Joseph Szafarowicz, a great grandson; Conor McTigue and many nephews and nieces. His first wife; Lois G. (Humphries) Rafferty died in 1979 and 2 brothers; Owen and James Rafferty and 2 sisters; Anna Sarasin and Rita Lavalle predeceased him.
He was born in Worcester the son of James M. and Anne (McKinney) Rafferty. Mr. Rafferty was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Korean Conflict and later owned and operated Rafferty’s Tavern for many years, until he retired in 1981. He was a member of the International Laborers Union, Local #243, a longtime member of the Vernon Hill American Legion Post #435, and was an avid walker. Mr. Rafferty was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
The funeral is Tuesday, December 27th with a Mass at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Resource Center of Central Massachusetts, 360 West Boylston Street, Suite #204, West Boylston, MA 01583. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is directing arrangements.